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A Guide To Choosing A Canon DSLR Camera With Short Reviews
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Researching DSLR cameras? Read millions of Canon camera reviews that feature about 10% English and 90% jargon? It's not easy trying to get your bearings if you are unfamiliar with the digital SLR camera market. Salespeople and reviewers are often unsympathetic to the total beginner!
So, this article will provide a quick introduction to Canon, and the categories of DSLR's they produce. I'll also also give a birds-eye view of 6 specific models, that may help you kick start some deeper research.
Introducing Canon
Canon is a huge Japanese multinational corporation. They manufacture fantastic imaging and optical products, ranging from DSLR cameras to desktop printers. As far as digital cameras are concerned, Canon kicked off their sales back in 1984 with the RC - 701.
They later developed an 'EOS' range of digital SLR cameras, which now features models spanning from those suitable for beginners to super high spec. professional tools. Hang on a minute, what's 'EOS'...!?
'EOS' refers to a kind of technology that Canon developed before they actually started producing digital SLR cameras. It stands for 'Electro Optical System' (yikes!) Basically, it means that no actual mechanical connections are required between a camera body and the lens.
(It also, supposedly, was thought an apt abbreviation since Eos was the Greek goddess of the dawn; photographers like shooting at dawn - 'magic hours' and all that stuff...)
Canon, working with Kodak, brought together digital technology with their EOS system during the 90's. Then, in 2000 they turned out their first purely Canon made EOS digital SLR: the D30. Their range of EOS digital SLR's has expanded at pace since then!
Canon Cameras By Category
The best Canon camera for you depends on your unique requirements. You need to work out what kind of pictures you will be taking and what you will be doing with them. Figure out how that translates into specifications. Match up your most important specifications with available cameras. Then factor in your budget! Start by looking in the category which you think is most likely to offer what you're looking for:
- Consumer/Beginner - For normal buyers who want a good camera without going into debt!
- Prosumer/Mid-Range - Ideal for those starting to require higher quality and performance.
- Professional (or semi-professional) / High End - Professional equipment of massively high quality to meet the needs of serious photographers.
Here's how to tell what category a Canon camera belongs to based on its name:
| Consumer | 'EOS' + 3 or 4 digits (e.g EOS 550D), in North America - 'Rebel, in Japan - 'Kiss'. |
| Prosumer | 'EOS' + 2 digits (e.g EOS 40D), in North America - 'Elan'. |
| Professional | 1 series (e.g 1, 1N, 1D...). Semi-professional cameras are 'EOS + 1 digit (e.g EOS 3), in North America 'A2'. |
The cheaper cameras in the 'consumer' bracket can be of a really high quality, and very suitable for enthusiasts. Similarly, prosumer models sometimes sit right on the cusp of professional spec models. Investing in a pro Canon camera, like the 1D Mark IV is only worth it if you really do need that level of quality (and have some outstanding glass to go with it).
6 Quick-Fire Reviews To Kick Start Your Research
Right, now let's have a quick look at some actual cameras. I've simply divided them into their respective categories and provided key specifications. Each of these models is highly rated and I consider them very good buys. This should be a useful starting point in your search for a camera.
Beginner Canon Cameras
Canon EOS 550 D / Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital
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If you're looking for cheap Canon digital cameras, you can't go wrong with this. Though a beginner model, the Canon EOS 550D
It is well designed physically, feeling nice in the hand, and is easy and intuitive to use. The light metering is very accurate too. I think this is the best of the Canon Rebel EOS cameras, and it always receives rave reviews!
Watch a video review of the Rebel T2i
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Key points:
| Sensor | 18.7 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H1) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 530g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3
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Another one of the best cheap digital cameras from the Canon Rebel EOS range.
Easy to use and with great image detail, the Canon EOS 500D
There are quite a few easy-access external controls too, which personally I think is a huge bonus when shooting.
Watch a video review of the Rebel T1i
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Key points:
| Sensor | 15.1 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
4752 x 3168 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H2) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 480g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Prosumer Canon Cameras
Canon 40 D
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The 40 D is another model you will find praised in many Canon camera reviews. It can produce noiseless images at higher ISO settings which is a simply invaluable asset.
A high quality sensor makes for really sharp images, and the camera batteries last for a long time too. The Canon 40D
Key points:
| Sensor | 10.1 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
3888 x 2592 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 800 |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 822g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | No |
Canon 60 D
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A great camera for enthusiasts looking to step up from the Canon Rebel EOS range.
Similarly built to the Rebel cameras, the Canon 60D
Images are very detailed with a 18 MP sensor and the high ISO sensitivity options make it excellent for low light work.
Key points:
| Sensor | 18 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 6400 (with H1) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 755g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
Professional Canon Cameras
Canon EOS 7D
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One of the best Canon digital cameras in terms of ergonomics and how it feels in your hands. Superb resolution and low amounts of noise at higher ISO sensitivity levels ensure quality images in all situations.
8 frames can be shot per second, so great for wildlife and sports photography! A big, clear viewfinder helps when setting up a shot. The Canon EOS 7D
Check out this video review of the EOS 7D
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Key points:
| Sensor | 18 MP |
Maximum Image Size |
5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 12800 (with H) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | Auto pop-up flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 820g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | No |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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This is just an amazing camera - if you can afford it!
A high price accounts for magnificent image detail, great ISO performance even in the tens of thousands (!), brilliant auto-focus and 10 frames/second...!
The all round quality is superb and it feels comfortable in your hands. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Key points:
| Sensor | 16.1 MP full frame |
Maximum Image Size |
3896 x 3264 |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 102400 (with H3) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec. |
| Flash | No built-in flash |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Weight | 1180g |
| Dust Reduction Technology | Filter on sensor vibrates |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
I hope you found this useful, and are a little clearer about what to look for now. If you want some more in depth Canon camera reviews, I recommend checking out dpreview.com.
Where Next? |
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